October 8, 2007

DID YOU KNOW that the most common misconception about calories is the belief that calories from different foods are worth more or less? It’s true that fats are higher density in calories than protein or carbohydrates but in the end, all that matters is whether your body needs those calories or not. If your body has met all of its immediate energy and energy store needs, those extra calories will be turned to fat whether they come from a fruit or snacks. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to calorie totals, both of what you eat and what you burn. If those numbers are in line, you should be fine. It is still important to get the calories you need from a balanced diet so you get all the nutrients as well.(SPARKPEOPLE)

Bulging Waistline is a Risk Several studies have shown that being significantly overweight may promote the development of a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. In one recent study, those men who had gained more than 3.5 pounds a year between the ages of 25 and 40 were twice as likely to have this cancer recur as men who gained less weight. Also, excess body fat that is located in and around internal organs and often indicated by more waistline fat may pose particular risks, even if a man is not obese. In a recent study, men with prostate cancer averaged about 50% more total abdominal fat than healthy men of the same age. (LifeScript)

Women on diets need more calcium than normal to avoid bone loss. Rutgers University researchers found that weight loss cuts absorption of bone-building calcium in 57 postmenopausal dieters. They suggest to prevent bone loss, women dieting after menopause should get 1,700 mg of calcium a day. (PREVENTION)

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